 Planning an Africa trip
Hi All:
We are planning a trip to east Africa and trying to solicit advice /
recommendations regarding tours and price ranges. We will be there
from August 21 to September 8.
There are a few major things we would like to do:
- see Dar es Salaam
- Do a 5/6 day Safari (covering Serengetti, Lake Manyara, and
Ngorongoro crater)
- Spend about 5/6 days in Zanzibar
- Spend a little time in Moshi to see Kiliminjaro (though we are not
really interested in climbing it -- seeing it is sufficient)
Here are some questions (in no particular order):
1. As far as safaris go I've heard (from a tour operator) that Lake
Manyara is not as exciting as Serengetti and Ngorongoro. Of course,
this may be because the operator is trying to sell us a package that
doesn't include Lake Manyara! I was wondering if anyone has any
thoughts.
2. What is a reasonable price per person for a six day Safari (going
through Serengetti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro crater)? We would
prefer to stay in reasonably nice accomodations (i.e., we are OK with
some degree of discomfirt, but don't want to do any major roughing
it...) I get the uneasy feeling that the US tour operators have a
substantial mark-up. In which case, what's the best way to book a tour
(that is cost effective)? We actually have some good family
connections in Dar es Salaam, in case that helps with making bookings.
3. How far in advance should we book a safari? I heard that nicer
accomodations get booked up pretty quickly. Should we be trying to
confirm our arrangements ASAP? Or do we still have a some time (and if
so, how much?)...
4. While in Africa, we were planning to travel between places on
domestic flights. [For Zanzibar we want to avoid taking the catamaran
because of sea sickness...] What is the best way to book such flights?
Also, how far in advance?
5. is there anything else you can recommend seeing? Are there are any
places we (hotels, attractions, etc.) should avoid, or that didn't live
up to your expectations?
Any advice, pointers, comments, suggestions, etc. you can offer is very
appreciated! I realize that this is a laundry list of questions. If I
left any pertinent detail out, pls let me know so I can fill it in.
Thanks so much!! :-)
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